Stranger in the House
Stranger in the House

Movie spotlight

Stranger in the House

1967
Movie
104 min
English

John Sawyer, once an eminent barrister, has slid into a life of cynicism and drunkenness since his wife left him. When his daughter's boyfriend is accused of murder, Sawyer decides to try to pull himself together and defend him in court.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Director: Roy BoultingGenres: Drama, Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

A young, liberal, and somewhat naive MP, Tom Bellweather, finds himself increasingly disturbed by the rising tide of racial prejudice in his constituency. He struggles to maintain his progressive ideals against the backdrop of growing xenophobia and the manipulation of public opinion by a clandestine organization known as the 'White Defence League'. The situation escalates when Bellweather's own family becomes entangled in the conflict, forcing him to confront the dark undercurrents of his society and his own capacity for action.

Critical Reception

Stranger in the House was a film that aimed to tackle contemporary social issues of racial tension and political extremism. While its message was considered timely and important by many, its execution was sometimes seen as heavy-handed. It garnered a mixed but generally respectful reception, appreciated for its thematic relevance rather than its artistic innovation.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its timely and provocative exploration of racial prejudice in Britain.

  • Noted for its earnest attempt to engage with social and political issues of the era.

  • Criticized by some for its somewhat didactic or melodramatic approach.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this film, but generally, it is recognized as a film with an important message about racism and political manipulation, even if its dramatic impact varies.

Fun Fact

The film was retitled 'Tonight Let's All Go to Jail' for its release in the United States, a title change that significantly altered its thematic emphasis and likely contributed to its lower profile in American cinema.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is an odd choice of Simenon novel to adapt into a film. It provides for a good role for James Mason as the drunkard solicitor "Sawyer" - a bright, intelligent operator who has hits the skids somewhat after his wife abandoned him, and h...